Travis Bazzana's arrival in Cleveland is stirring excitement among Guardians fans eager to see a boost in their lineup. Known for his offensive prowess, Bazzana is expected to inject some much-needed energy into Cleveland’s batting order.
While his bat is getting all the buzz, his defensive role is flying under the radar. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Bazzana has primarily played second base. However, a series of oblique injuries have kept him from consistently showcasing his skills in the minors, raising questions about his ability to handle the daily demands of the position.
Guardians' manager Stephen Vogt has decided to keep Bazzana at second base during spring training to evaluate his capabilities. “Travis hasn’t played enough games yet for us to really see what he can do at second base,” Vogt explained. “So, we’re going to keep him at second base right now.”
However, Bazzana’s stint with the Guardians in spring training will be interrupted as he represents Australia in the World Baseball Classic. This absence will likely open the door for Brayan Rocchio to step in at second base while Bazzana is away.
There’s also a concern about Bazzana’s durability. He appeared in just 84 games during his first full minor league season, splitting time between second base and designated hitter.
His history as a second baseman is well-established, with 182 games at Oregon State primarily at that position, and only a couple of outings in the outfield. This leaves Vogt with limited options for trying him elsewhere during spring training.
Despite posting a solid .858 OPS at Triple-A last season, there are lingering questions about whether Bazzana’s offensive approach will hold up in the majors. If he struggles defensively, the Guardians might consider sending him back to the minors for further development before he makes his MLB debut.
Cleveland has a track record of patience with their prospects, and Bazzana might be the latest to benefit from this approach. The Guardians are clearly playing the long game, ensuring their young talent is fully prepared to shine on the big stage.